We Be Road Trippin'
10 Things You Need to Survive a Family Road Trip
I have some mixed feelings about family vacations.
I love my family, and I love vacations, but I don't love smelly dogs and claustrophobia. On top of that, my family is not the most organized group of individuals so its always a fun to experience to try to load up a car in a timely manner.
When I was little, I loved car rides. My parents would wake up early and load up the car so that we could sleep on the way to wherever we were going. But now that we are older and “responsible,” it looks more like that scene in Jamanji when the stampede is tearing through the house.
So here are ten things you need to avoid losing your mind in the car.
I love my family, and I love vacations, but I don't love smelly dogs and claustrophobia. On top of that, my family is not the most organized group of individuals so its always a fun to experience to try to load up a car in a timely manner.
When I was little, I loved car rides. My parents would wake up early and load up the car so that we could sleep on the way to wherever we were going. But now that we are older and “responsible,” it looks more like that scene in Jamanji when the stampede is tearing through the house.
So here are ten things you need to avoid losing your mind in the car.
1. Headphones and Music Player
There is a reason why teenagers are always depicted with earphones in movies. It's because it works. This is the secret to mentally escaping the 5x8 space that you will be trapped inside. Nothing blocks out the rest of the world like music and I’ve been on enough family trips to know that a radio station that everyone can agree on just doesn’t exist.
2. A Good Playlist
Okay so let’s say you get into your car and turn on your music and find the same five albums you’ve been listening to since you were in fourth grade. That’s not the music you want for the next five or so hours. Take some time to find some new music by some new artists before you leave.
Not to toot my own horn but I have got some pretty killer Spotify playlists. I organize my music based on seasons and weather. So my “Fall” playlist is a lot slower and sadder than my “Summer Mornings" playlist. You can check it out for yourself @bridgettboeke. Disclaimer: there is no rap. I hate rap, I'm sorry.
Another tip would be to visit target and get a Spotify gift card. They are the best ways to get you some premium time for less money and you don't need to enter any credit card information.
3. A Camera
If you are driving across a large area of land then you're going to want a camera on you. Especially if you are going to be driving at dusk or dawn. Now when I say camera… yes a smartphone works but if you do happen to have a nice DSLR then I would keep it nearby. I always keep my Nikon D3300 on hand in case I see something worth capturing. You might kick yourself later if you don't have your nice camera when you come across the sunset over the Appalachians or a herd of buffalo crossing the street in front of you (even thought that probably won’t happen).
There is a reason why teenagers are always depicted with earphones in movies. It's because it works. This is the secret to mentally escaping the 5x8 space that you will be trapped inside. Nothing blocks out the rest of the world like music and I’ve been on enough family trips to know that a radio station that everyone can agree on just doesn’t exist.
2. A Good Playlist
Okay so let’s say you get into your car and turn on your music and find the same five albums you’ve been listening to since you were in fourth grade. That’s not the music you want for the next five or so hours. Take some time to find some new music by some new artists before you leave.
Not to toot my own horn but I have got some pretty killer Spotify playlists. I organize my music based on seasons and weather. So my “Fall” playlist is a lot slower and sadder than my “Summer Mornings" playlist. You can check it out for yourself @bridgettboeke. Disclaimer: there is no rap. I hate rap, I'm sorry.
Another tip would be to visit target and get a Spotify gift card. They are the best ways to get you some premium time for less money and you don't need to enter any credit card information.
3. A Camera
If you are driving across a large area of land then you're going to want a camera on you. Especially if you are going to be driving at dusk or dawn. Now when I say camera… yes a smartphone works but if you do happen to have a nice DSLR then I would keep it nearby. I always keep my Nikon D3300 on hand in case I see something worth capturing. You might kick yourself later if you don't have your nice camera when you come across the sunset over the Appalachians or a herd of buffalo crossing the street in front of you (even thought that probably won’t happen).
3. A Book
Seriously any kind of book. A reading book, an audio book, a coloring book, a sketchbook, or even a sudoko book. Any of these is a great way to get some brain exercise and pass a lot of time.
4. Coffee
Or tea or hot chocolate. Whatever tickles your fancy. It’s nice to have something to sip on while you're on a long trip. But before you start stocking up on frappacinos and chocolate milk, remember to drink plenty of water. Its one on the most effective ways to combat motion sickness and ward off headaches. You should drink at least 16 ounces of water for every 3 hours you are driving in order to stay hydrated.
5. Foodies
While on the topic of coffee, remember to pack some healthy snacks for the ride. After about four hours of driving, those Mcdonald’s signs are going to look real friendly. The best option is to pack a lunchbox with some granola bars and apples to avoid Big Macs and French Fries. Your body will thank you later.
Seriously any kind of book. A reading book, an audio book, a coloring book, a sketchbook, or even a sudoko book. Any of these is a great way to get some brain exercise and pass a lot of time.
4. Coffee
Or tea or hot chocolate. Whatever tickles your fancy. It’s nice to have something to sip on while you're on a long trip. But before you start stocking up on frappacinos and chocolate milk, remember to drink plenty of water. Its one on the most effective ways to combat motion sickness and ward off headaches. You should drink at least 16 ounces of water for every 3 hours you are driving in order to stay hydrated.
5. Foodies
While on the topic of coffee, remember to pack some healthy snacks for the ride. After about four hours of driving, those Mcdonald’s signs are going to look real friendly. The best option is to pack a lunchbox with some granola bars and apples to avoid Big Macs and French Fries. Your body will thank you later.
6. A Journal
You know how you ponder everything in life and have these really deep thoughts when you lay down to go to sleep or when you stand in the shower? I think that driving has similar properties. I find myself staring at the horizon listening to songs and having all these questions and thoughts about life. It’s always good to have a journal nearby for moments like that. Write some stuff down. It’s also handy to make an inventory of the stuff you brought on your trip as well as anything important that you need to jot down.
You're probably like, “Bridge, I’ve got the notes app on my phone for this.” Okay yeah, and that’s cool too but there is something more thoughtful about writing. Your brain has more time to process the information as you spell it out. Plus, you can’t doodle on a phone (I mean you can but it never looks that great).
7. Blanket and Pillow
Because who doesn't love nap time?
8. Pain Reliever
Try as we might, some headaches are just unavoidable. So bring some Tylenol or Ibprofen or whatever will calm the inevitable headache that arises after five hours of straight driving.
9. Smartphone Games
I never have any need for any sort of game on my iPhone until I'm babysitting or on a long trip. Download two or three little games before you leave just to pass time in the car. The worst thing that can happen is that you delete them later.
(My fave is piano tiles, btw)
10. A Good Attitude
Yes, the ride might be long, but this is also the perfect excuse to sit for a long period of time and do whatever you want. Be willing to pull off the side of the road and take a family picture by those buffalo that were crossing the street (even though we've established that that probably won't happen). Don't be afraid to jam with your family like your in a Kidz Bop commercial. After all, it's the journey, not the destination.
You know how you ponder everything in life and have these really deep thoughts when you lay down to go to sleep or when you stand in the shower? I think that driving has similar properties. I find myself staring at the horizon listening to songs and having all these questions and thoughts about life. It’s always good to have a journal nearby for moments like that. Write some stuff down. It’s also handy to make an inventory of the stuff you brought on your trip as well as anything important that you need to jot down.
You're probably like, “Bridge, I’ve got the notes app on my phone for this.” Okay yeah, and that’s cool too but there is something more thoughtful about writing. Your brain has more time to process the information as you spell it out. Plus, you can’t doodle on a phone (I mean you can but it never looks that great).
7. Blanket and Pillow
Because who doesn't love nap time?
8. Pain Reliever
Try as we might, some headaches are just unavoidable. So bring some Tylenol or Ibprofen or whatever will calm the inevitable headache that arises after five hours of straight driving.
9. Smartphone Games
I never have any need for any sort of game on my iPhone until I'm babysitting or on a long trip. Download two or three little games before you leave just to pass time in the car. The worst thing that can happen is that you delete them later.
(My fave is piano tiles, btw)
10. A Good Attitude
Yes, the ride might be long, but this is also the perfect excuse to sit for a long period of time and do whatever you want. Be willing to pull off the side of the road and take a family picture by those buffalo that were crossing the street (even though we've established that that probably won't happen). Don't be afraid to jam with your family like your in a Kidz Bop commercial. After all, it's the journey, not the destination.